Dear Friends of JAE,

Jean Appolon Expressions (JAE) stands at the intersection of art and social justice, where the rhythms of Haitian folkloric dance pulse with the power to transform lives. Born from the heart of a culture rich in history, resilience, and spirit, JAE is not just a dance company; it is a movement—a movement that celebrates the soul of Haiti, honors its struggles, and channels its strength into hope and healing.

As we prepare to enter our new home in Nubian Square, Roxbury, JAE is poised to amplify its impact, bringing the liberating force of dance to more communities, both here in Boston and across the globe. Our journey over the past decade has been one of growth, passion, and unwavering commitment to the belief that dance is a path to social change.

Now, we invite you to join us in this next chapter—one that promises to deepen our roots, broaden our reach, and elevate our artistry. Together, we will build a future where the transformative power of Haitian folkloric dance can be felt in every step, every beat, and every heart it touches. An n Ale! Let’s go!

An n Ale! is much more than a slogan—it’s a shared passion inspired by our collective belief in the power of hope and healing through dance. We can only achieve this vision for our community with your support. We hope this snapshot of JAE and our vision for the future inspires you to join us in this campaign at this special time in JAE’s history.

Sincerely,
Jean Appolon & Meg McGrath

For more information, contact Meg McGrath.

“Through powerful storytelling and a deep embrace of community, Jean Appolon Expressions (JAE) has made itself a pillar of our cultural landscape – protecting artistic heritage, connecting histories of African-descended people, and grounding us in an ancestral knowledge of the body as a pathway to freedom.

These pillars are vital to our well-being, especially now. For immigrants and all people whose safety and dignity are under attack, storytelling is essential to affirming our humanity. It is a source of strength. As JAE embarks on a bold new vision in the heart of Roxbury, this gift is given as a call to action, to support and strengthen the pillars that support and strengthen us.”

— Anonymous Donor

CAMPAIGN GOALS

We envision Jean Appolon Expressions Dance Center as a place where professional artists, community members, and youth can come together to share their love for dance. The studio space will offer the Nubian Square community a highly visible arts anchor where they realize that they matter and are essential members of the Boston community.
- Objective: Establish a permanent home for JAE, becoming a cultural anchor in the historically significant Nubian Square.
- Need: Complete Studio Buildout, requiring $2,000,000 for construction, furnishing, and equipment.
- Impact: The new studio will offer a dedicated space for professional artists, community members, and youth to engage in the transformative power of dance.
We envision JAE gaining further recognition as a hub of dance innovation that creates space for social justice conversations through community inspired art-making.
- Objectives:
  - In 2025 and 2026, premiere and tour JAE’s newest work, Pouvwa, and Black is Black, which explore themes around history, race, oppression, trauma and corruption through Haitian folkloric dance.
  - Scale artistic staffing, particularly drummers, to support growth in choreography, performances and dance education.
  - Create opportunities for students based in Haiti and the Dominican Republic to train and perform with JAE’s company dancers in the US and internationally.
  - Further integrate community dancers into JAE and its performances.
  - Create a fund for artist residencies and sabbaticals to ideate new works post Pouwva and Black is Black.
- Need: $1,500,000 to support the production, staffing, and touring of new works.
- Impact: These performances will engage audiences in meaningful conversations around race, trauma, and healing, expanding JAE's reach across the U.S. and internationally.
We envision JAE continuing its rapid growth, made possible by support from the City of Boston, the Barr Foundation, and other donors. To sustain and expand our programs, the An n Ale! campaign aims to double philanthropic revenue, which will support our educational initiatives, general operations, and the new JAE Dance Center.
- Objectives:
  - Increase Donor Support: Double annual revenue to sustain growth.
  - Expand Education: Hire a Dance Education Director to lead school and community partnerships.
  - Strengthen Global Reach: Grow our team in Haiti/Dominican Republic to expand educational programs.
  - Support Operations
- Need: Secure $1,500,000 in flexible funds that can support educational programming and essential operations and to realize the full potential of its new home at the Jean Appolon Expressions Dance Center.
- Impact:
  - Educational Impact: 92% of Summer Dance Institute participants reported reduced stress through dance. We aim to expand our reach in Boston schools and Haiti.
  - Community Impact: Growing partnerships with Boston schools and community organizations offer creative, culturally rich programming.
  - Global Impact: In Haiti, JAE’s Summer Dance Institute provides youth with a vital outlet for healing and expression. We plan to expand this program and partner with local organizations to reach more students.